Membership

THE PURPOSE OF MEMBERSHIP

The elders of Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church have been entrusted with the responsibility and privilege of shepherding this local congregation. To effectively provide pastoral care, the elders have established the following membership process and request that all who attend Emmaus progress through it. By doing so, individuals will grow in their understanding of the doctrines of Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church, commit themselves to this local body of believers, and entrust themselves to the loving care of the elders and deacons. In cases where the prospective member is new to the Christian faith, the elders may request that they progress through An Introduction To The Christian Faith, a 24-lesson study through the Baptist Catechism, as a part of the membership process.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP

A member of Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church must:
1. Trust in Christ alone for their salvation, living in a way that agrees with biblical faith.
2. Have been baptized upon profession of faith.
3. Be aware of and in general agreement with the doctrines of this church as described in the Core Documents of ERBC, being willing to humbly submit to the loving care of the elders, and eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace within this church where questions or differences of opinion may exist (see Ephesians 4:3; Romans 14:1).

THE MEMBERSHIP PROCESS

Step 1: Schedule Pastoral Interview

A. Please take two packets from the back of the sanctuary on Sunday: 

• The Membership Forms Packet
• The Emmaus Core Documents Packet

B. Fill out the Prospective Member Questionnaire in the forms packet.

C. Schedule a meeting with a Pastor to discuss the questionnaire (email staff@emmausrbc.org). 

Step 2: Engage With Teaching Material And Core Documents 

A. Please listen to the four audio lessons linked below. 
The four lessons are:

• Lesson 1 – Introducing Membership
• Lesson 2 – An Introduction To The Second London Confession Of Faith
• Lesson 3 – An Overview Of The Constitution, Ministries, And Distinctives’ Of ERBC
• Lesson 4 – The Privileges And Responsibilities Of Church Membership

B. While progressing through these lessons, prospective members should:

• Read the book Jesus Loves The Church And So Should You (available in the sanctuary)
• Read Emmaus’ Core Documents: The Second London Confession Of Faith, Baptist Catechism, and Constitution. Make notes of any questions or concerns you may have. 
• Fill out the forms packet, which includes: A Prospective Member Questionnaire, Membership Application, and Church Covenant. Once completed, please give the forms packet to the Pastor you met with for the pastoral interview.
• Write a personal testimony to be shared with the members and email it to staff@emmausrbc.org. 

Step 3: Schedule A Meeting With The Elders

Once the steps above have been completed, prospective members should schedule a meeting with the elders. Please be prepared to discuss the following:

A. Your written testimony.

B. Your engagement with the audio lessons and reading materials assigned above? Do you agree with what you have encountered in these materials? Do you have any objections, questions, or concerns?

C. Your current life situation. If applicable, how are things with your marriage, family, work, etc? How may we pray for you and help you in your walk with Christ?

D. The church covenant. We will discuss the covenant line by line.

Step 4: Be Presented To The Church As A Prospective Member And Received

A. Be presented to the church as a prospective member. Your written testimony will be shared with the membership shortly after you are presented. 

B. After one month, be received as a member by vote of the congregation. When baptism is necessary, the congregation will vote to receive members pending their baptism.